Annie Update

I got this in the mail yesterday:

"Dear Martha & YALE!
Buongiorno tutti! I am loving life as a missionary. IT is hard and actually very busy (even in the MTC) but the rewarding - finish the race-hard every day. Each day my eyes open to a recognition of more and more blessings (I did not spy them before!) God is so loving, so merciful. I look at our childhood and realize how beautifully God weaved one-anotehr into an intricate friendship that lives now just as before!

I am so excited for Sister Rhondeau! Elizabeth will be an amazing missionary. I have no doubt in her gift with languages. Yea, INDONESIA! I am so grateful for this chance to learn and grow in such a concentrated environment and with such a magnified tie to God through my calling as a missionary. I treasure this opportunity and - although I've been gone 5 weeks - foresee the bittersweet experience it will be when I return. I love this Gospel. I love the people of Italy and Italian. And I love you all!

Vi volio Bene! Baci,
Sorella Stevens

25 Random Things

I was sure I would be able to avoid the 25 random things post, but I have not. I feel better about posting 25 random things than e-mailing it. I hate mass e-mails that are sent out. I feel like I am "force feeding" unwanted information to people when I do that. Friends, co-workers, and family have asked me if or when I will post 25 random things. My answer is now.

25 Random Things

1. Instead of saying swear words out loud, I sign them. (ASL)

2. I recently started wearing jewelry. (necklaces)
3. In college, I got so frustrated with a music theory class that I threw my workbook over the cliff on Fourth North. (Dustin and Trent retrieved the book later that night)
4. I passed music theory.
5. I'm an ultimate Aggie.
6. While learning sign language, I told a guy who asked me on a date that I could not go because I had to make out all weekend. (I meant work)
7. I LOVE to cuddle. Especially on Saturday mornings.
8. My favorite game is Ticket to Ride.
9. My favorite color is red.
10. Most of the time, I like not being able to hear. It is peaceful.
11. Our mail gets stolen quite often.
12. My favorite TV show is Chuck.
13. I never received academic awards or recognition in college, but I did receive student of the
year from the Disability Resource Center (DRC).
14. I got a D in Biology. To this day I am proud of that D. I worked harder, and spent more time
in my Biology professors office trying to understand the study of life than any other class I
have ever taken.
15. I don't understand Biology.
16. My first A in college was in a stress management class.
17. I stopped biting my fingernails when Dustin was in Iraq.
18. Now I only bite my fingernails when I am really nervous.
19. I have to give myself a shot every day.
20. When people clap, it hurts my ears.
21. I have never had braces, and my teeth are really straight.
22. I love my job.
23. I love being married.
24. I love to travel.
25. Coming up with 25 random things about me was harder than I thought.
and I am adding..
26. Dustin and I are moving back to Yale Avenue while we wait (forever) to close on our house. I am really excited to be back on Yale and be around people I love and care for.

Much love, and please excuse the late post.
Libby

calling all birthday girls!

21 + a day.

Happy birthday, to our Dear E. This week holds such excitement! May the post come quick and may all your dreams come true.
We heart you!

fairyland

The other afternoon (a rather springish one) I spotted Rachel out on the lawn. Her hair (which I'd kill for, by the way) was in its typical long braid, twisting down her back, and she was still clad in her Carden plaid. Stooping low on the grey grass, she quickly gathered things into a pile for, what I assume, was the first Fairy House of the season. I found this on apartment therapy* today. It made me think of our Rachel. Can't wait until spring is here to stay and the Fairy Houses are out in abundance!

*There is also some dreamy turquoise bedding for you Rhondeau girls!

14

happy birthday naomi!